Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a mandatory work placement scheme for young people unemployed for 18 months, potentially providing hospitality businesses with access to new workers. Speaking at Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Reeves said the scheme would deliver “nothing less than the abolition of long-term youth unemployment”. Young Universal Credit claimants will be required to accept guaranteed paid work placements or face benefit sanctions. Under the proposals, anyone claiming Universal Credit for 18 months without work or education will be offered a paid placement to develop employable skills. Paid placements in pubs, restaurants and hotels would give participants customer service and operational experience.